Manston Processing Centre

The Home Office currently uses the site for the initial processing of people arriving by small boats. It is vital that there is an appropriate facility where those individuals can be securely detained, while their identity and other details are collected and verified. The former RAF base at Manston is the only suitable site available within the east Kent area that could accommodate such a facility, in terms of proximity to points of arrival and the ownership and availability of land.  

While there have been some improvements to the facilities and support services on the Manston site since it was opened for use in February 2022, it remains made up of old buildings that have been repurposed, and several temporary structures. The Home Office is looking to upgrade the current infrastructure, to provide more efficient facilities and reduce overall running costs, whilst ensuring that the site remains fully secure. 

Over time, the government expects to see reduced need for the services currently provided at Manston, as it continues to deliver its strategy to reduce illegal immigration, and tackle the gangs responsible for the small boat trade across the Channel.  

The Home Office sought planning permission through the Urgent Crown Development route to continue using the site for its current purpose and to make the improvements set out below. 

This route is used for developments of strategic national importance and allows proposals to be determined by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), whilst providing effective mechanisms to ensure a development is appropriate.

MHCLG have now reviewed and approved the application.

Since submitting the planning proposal the outcomes of the June 2025 Spending Review for the Home Office have led to reconsideration of the plans for the processing centre. We will not currently be building the new centre but will instead use available funds to continue delivery of enhancements on site. 

The Home Office is taking steps to improve facilities which will enable processing to be carried out more efficiently and reduce running costs.

Derelict buildings are being demolished. We will be improving utilities such as connections to mains powers to reduce the use of generators and operating costs. There will also be some improvements to the roads network, on-site parking and to the staff training facilities which are used by the Home Office, including for operational staff within Immigration Enforcement. We have plans to ensure biodiversity is protected and trees replanted.  

These plans have been developed with value for money in mind, and with flexibility to reduce capacity depending on operational requirements. 

In light of the decision regarding the processing centre, we will discontinue usage of this website from early April. 

Any enquiries or comments regarding work which is taking place on the Manston site should be sent to manstonprogramme@homeoffice.gov.uk.